Edmond Andrew Harjo, 1917-2014, is seen in this photo from November 20, 2013. Photo © Indianz.Com

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma laid one of its heroes to rest on Friday.

Edmond Andrew Harjo, who died on March 31 at the age of 96, was a Code Talker who served in the U.S. Army. He used the Seminole language to send unbreakable codes, an effort that helped Allied forces win World War II.

“Edmond Andrew and his brother were conversing in their first language with each other and they were overheard by their commander,” the Rev. Dr. Eugene Wilson said during Harjo’s service, The Native American Times reported. “The language was used as military code, not just to enable war but … sustain peace.”

Harjo traveled to Washington, D.C., last November to accept the Congressional Gold Medal for his tribe and a Silver Medal for himself and his family. He was the only living Code Talker who was able to make the journey.

Harjo was buried in the Seminole Nation Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Get the Story:
Last living Seminole Code Talker walks on, loved ones pay respects, honor hero (The Native American Times 4/7)
Congressional Gold Medal Recipient and Code Talker Edmond Harjo Walks On (Indian Country Today 4/5)

Related Stories:
Edmond A. Harjo, Code Talker from Seminole Nation, passes away (3/31)
Congress honors 33 tribes for sending Code Talkers into battle (11/21)
Code Talkers receive long overdue honors for service in military (11/20)
Code Talkers to receive Congressional Gold Medal at US Capitol (11/18)